tl;dr
A Grant Thornton report reveals that 63% of CFOs plan to increase investments in IT and digital transformation in 2025, focusing on optimizing costs, productivity, and customer experience. Over 60% of firms are overhauling their IT systems, with emerging technologies like smart contracts and generat...
According to a Grant Thornton report, 63% of CFOs plan to increase investments in IT and digital transformation in 2025 despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. The emphasis is on enhancing operational digitization and improving customer experience through optimizing costs and productivity. More than 60% of firms are actively overhauling their IT systems, while key emerging technologies such as smart contracts and generative AI are viewed as major growth opportunities.
In addition, 48% of CFOs intend to boost cybersecurity spending, and 46% anticipate increases in workforce compensation. Training initiatives are also prioritized, with 42% allocating more funds toward staff development, although only 17% focus on diversity and inclusion programs.
In Singapore, over half of Chief Operating Officers (COOs) are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in 2025, aiming to leverage these technologies to strengthen digitization efforts and operational efficiency. However, many organizations face challenges in scaling projects beyond pilot phases. Experts recommend forging strategic supplier partnerships and concentrating on measurable outcomes to successfully implement AI and IoT technologies at scale.
Enterprise blockchain integration has emerged as a critical foundation for AI implementation, ensuring data quality, security, and immutability. This integration supports both legal compliance and the overall success of operational AI systems by maintaining data integrity and secure ownership.
Emerging technology adoption, especially generative AI, is gaining momentum across various sectors such as automotive, energy, financial services, manufacturing, and healthcare. These technologies are applied in software development, customer service, legal and financial services, supply chain management, and fraud prevention.
Despite the enthusiasm, many companies remain cautious about rushing incomplete AI solutions to market, emphasizing the need to balance innovation with return on investment. As digital transformation accelerates, the focus remains on customer satisfaction and sustainable technological advancement.